Switzerland experienced a "disaster" during their World Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina on Saturday, July 11, 2026, when a controversial red card was issued to forward Breel Embolo. The decision, which led to a "mistaken identity" call for simulation, ultimately contributed to Switzerland's 3-1 defeat in extra time.
Embolo received a second yellow card five minutes after teammate Dan Ndoye had equalized for Switzerland. The referee, Joao Pinheiro, issued the card after a VAR review for an apparent case of mistaken identity, ultimately deeming Embolo's action a dive. This ruling, however, left Swiss players and management incensed.
"It’s just a disaster," said Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler. "I don’t know what this referee is doing here. I don’t understand why they call it for a situation like this, because there were many fouls, made also in the first half, maybe he has to also to call them for a yellow card. So I don’t understand. How can a VAR change a game with this situation?"
Granit Xhaka, another Swiss player, stated that the red card decision was the type that can "kill the game." He added, "I think the red card changed our game. This decision was difficult to accept now after the game because the dressing room was very quiet, disappointed."
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin described the rule that led to Embolo's dismissal as "absolutely incomprehensible." He explained that Embolo was sent off due to a protocol involving "mistaken identity," which meant he could only be booked if the opposing player, Leandro Paredes, had initially received a yellow card. Yakin argued that prior fouls should have warranted bookings, but instead, a "harmless foul" led to Embolo's ejection.
"They protect their referee over a rule that destroyed our game today. That hurts enormously," Yakin stated.
Embolo's red card marked the first instance of a player being sent off due to the "mistaken identity" rule in this summer's World Cup. The player was seen in tears as he left the field. He is unlikely to participate in another World Cup, as he will be 33 years old during the 2030 tournament.
Argentina secured their victory with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lisandro Martinez in extra time, advancing past Switzerland after a match that was significantly impacted by the controversial red card incident.